Yummy! Whenever I serve these bite-sized treats at parties, I always run out by end of night!

1 cup water
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Oil for frying (enough to fill your skillet or deep fryer)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for coating
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove the pan from heat. Stir in the flour until it forms a ball.
2. Heat oil in a skillet or deep-fryer to 375°F (190°C) – it’s the perfect temp for frying wonders without burning them.
3. While the oil is heating, roll out your dough on a floured surface and cut it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use a piping bag with a large star tip to pipe them into mini shapes directly into the hot oil.
4. Fry the dough pieces until golden brown, which takes about 2 minutes per side. They should puff up a bit and get that signature churro look.
5. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Remove the poppers from the oil with a slotted spoon and immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
6. Serve these beauties hot and crispy for the ultimate joy bite.
Variations & Tips:
– For a healthier version, try baking your churro poppers instead of frying. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), pipe your shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden.
– If you’re vegan or catering to someone who is, simply swap out the water mixture’s vegetable oil with coconut oil and check to ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
– Get creative with fillings! Before frying, stuff small pieces of chocolate or fruit jam inside the piped dough for a sweet surprise center.
– Remember, hot oil can be tricky (and a little scary), so keep a watchful eye on the temperature and never overcrowd your pan – it’ll lower the oil’s temp and make your poppers soggy.
Experiment and most importantly, have fun! That’s the beauty of cooking at home—throwing in a pinch of this and a dash of that until it tastes just right. Happy popping, friends!